Whether or not you agree with Hunter S. Thompson’s lifestyle, there can be little question that the man was an original. He careened through life in a way that you or I might not, but sometimes genius lives on the edge. Of course, sometimes genius is a pharmacological wonder, but it comes in all shapes and sizes.
Thompson’s view of the world around him was definitely “out there”, but it was nothing if not compelling. In an era when journalists can all too often be compared to sheep (Have you watched a White House press conference lately??), Thompson clearly marched to a drummer that no one else heard.
In many ways, the world had passed Hunter S. Thompson by. Though he was still a prolific and relevant writer, his lifestyle and point of view became progressively more misunderstood as time passed. Perhaps that contributed to his decision to end his life. Part of me hopes that we’ll never know the reasons why he decided to take his own life. Thompson cherished his privacy, and if there is any justice in this world, we’ll be left to wonder why. Given that Thompson was the ultimate enigma, the answers to the questions we have should remain unanswered.
In the meantime, ESPN.com’s Page 2 has a tribute to Thompson, his life, and his work. It’s a fitting tribute, and one I would strongly recommend. We will not see the likes of Hunter S. Thompson anytime soon.